Requirements to Become a School Nurse in New Jersey
School nurses provide first aid and medical care, health-related counseling and diagnostic testing services for students in public and private schools. To work in the state of New Jersey, prospective school nurses must receive professional certification from the state. Two types of certification are available: a standard school nurse credential and a certificate for nurses who also intend to teach health or a related class for students from kindergarten through 12th grade.
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Education
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To qualify for school nurse certification in New Jersey, a baccalaureate degree in nursing is necessary. As of December 2010, 19 colleges and universities in New Jersey offered bachelor's degree programs approved by the New Jersey Board of Nursing. Prospective school nurses can also earn their bachelor's degrees from an out-of-state nursing baccalaureate program, provided the college has accreditation through a regional accrediting association approved by the U.S. Department of Education.
Other Requirements
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New Jersey school nurses must have a valid registered nursing license issued by the New Jersey Board of Nursing. In addition to a bachelor's degree, RN licensing requires candidates to pass a written examination developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing called the National Council Licensing Examination for Registered Nurses. Prospective New Jersey school nurses must also have valid cardiopulmonary resuscitation and automated external defibrillator certifications from an organization like the American Red Cross or the American Heart Association.
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Non-Instructor Requirements
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Prospective school nurses in New Jersey who do not intend to teach in a classroom setting must complete a school nurse preparation program. Students can choose to attend a state-approved school nursing programs in New Jersey. As of 2010, 10 colleges and universities in New Jersey offered such programs: Caldwell College, Felician College, Kean University, Monmouth University, New Jersey City University, Rutgers University in Newark and in Camden, Rowan University, Seton Hall University and William Paterson University. Alternately, school nurses certification candidates can complete a similar program at another accredited institution. The program must include training in nine competency areas: general school nursing, growth and development, health assessment, public health, substance abuse, special education, intercultural relations, counseling and school law.
Instructor Requirements
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Like non-instructors, prospective New Jersey school nurses who wish to also serve as teachers must complete a school nurse preparation program that either has state approval or covers specific topics. Instructor nurse certification programs must cover the same nine competency areas as those for non-instructors, as well as teaching methods and curriculum development. School nurse instructor certification candidates must also complete a student teaching experience that includes both teaching and nursing duties.
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